A Q&A With Swing Thought Tour Member Ethan Tracy

The Golf Coaches Association of America, in cooperation with its long-time corporate partner, the Swing Thought Tour, will feature a monthly Q&A with former collegians who are currently playing or have played on the Swing Thought Tour. Long considered the premier developmental tour in the United States, thousands of former college players have started their professional careers there. More than 250 Swing Thought Tour alumni have or continue to play on the PGA TOUR.

This month we spoke with Ethan Tracy, a former All-SEC and All-American at the University of Arkansas.

Q: At what point growing up did you start playing golf? Did you play other sports growing up as well?

I started playing competitively at age 8. I played just about every sport except for football growing up. Those sports included soccer, tennis, baseball and basketball. I played baseball the longest until eventually focusing on just golf in 7th grade.

Q: At what point did you know you wanted to play golf in college?

I have always been a player that takes a little time to develop at each level. Once I started high school I was starting to excel and enjoying the sport a lot more. I would say that’s when I knew I wanted to play college golf.

Q: How did you determine where you were going to play?

I took many visits to different colleges during my search. I narrowed it down to 4 schools eventually. Those schools were Louisville, Ohio St, Tennessee, and Arkansas, where I ended up going. I knew I wanted to go south to get more play in per year and just fell in love with the facilities. I still live in Arkansas.

Q: What is your most memorable golf moment from your time in college?

My most memorable golf experience would be finishing runner-up in nationals my freshman year. It was the first year they moved the championship to match play and it was played in Ohio so I had a lot of family and friends pulling for us.

Q: What was the toughest adjustment going from collegiate golf to professional golf?

I think the toughest adjustment from collegiate golf to professional golf was making my own productive practice schedule. Once you turn pro you’re alone and no longer part of a team where everything, including practice, is supplied or made for you.

Q: What are some of your fondest memories while playing on the Swing Thought Tour?

My fondest memory was shooting my lowest competitive round to date, -10, at the Harbor Hills event.

Q: You qualified for the U.S. Open this summer. What was the best part of that experience at Oakmont like?

The best part of the experience was playing practice rounds with Justin Rose and Geoff Ogilvy. Super nice guys and got to pick their brains a little.

Q: What is the best piece of golf advice you have been given?

Follow your dreams, from my parents.

Q: Who would be a part of your dream foursome?

Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and my Dad.

Q: What do you think you would be doing if you had not played professional golf?

Either something else in the golf field such as a college coach or follow my Dad's footsteps as a firefighter.